Kampala, Uganda — 26 September 2026. JRS Uganda opened the doors of its Kampala office for the 2026 Open Day, bringing together staff, partners, friends and visitors for a day of connection, learning and celebration under the theme “Partnership & Impact Experience.”

The Open Day offered visitors an opportunity to discover more about the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Uganda and to experience, through exhibitions and activities, the different ways JRS accompanies, serves and advocates alongside forcibly displaced people and host communities.

Experiencing JRS programmes

A central part of the day was the programme exhibition, which provided an opportunity for visitors to engage directly with JRS Uganda’s areas of work. Through displays and conversations with staff, visitors learned more about programmes including Education, Livelihoods, Basic Needs, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Pastoral Care.

The exhibitions provided a space not only to showcase activities and achievements, but also to reflect on the people and communities at the heart of JRS’s mission.

For many visitors, the experience offered a closer look at the work that takes place beyond the office — from creating opportunities for learning and livelihoods to responding to essential needs, supporting wellbeing and accompanying people through their journeys of displacement.

Celebrating creativity and talent

The Open Day also created space for creativity, culture and expression.

A lively modeling showcase brought energy and colour to the event, celebrating creativity, confidence and talent. The programme was further enriched by a vibrant musical performance from Undungu Family, adding a celebratory atmosphere and bringing participants together through music and performance.

These moments complemented the programme exhibitions by highlighting another important dimension of community: the opportunity to come together, express creativity and celebrate talent.

Partnership at the heart of the experience

The Open Day was ultimately a celebration of the relationships that make JRS’s work possible.

By bringing people together within the Kampala office, the event created an informal space for conversations, exchange and greater understanding of JRS Uganda’s mission and work. Visitors were able to meet staff, explore programme activities and engage with the people behind the work.

Accompanying forcibly displaced people and host communities is a shared endeavour, sustained through collaboration with communities, partners, supporters and colleagues.

As JRS Uganda continues its mission, the Open Day served as a reminder that impact is not only reflected in programmes and activities, but also in the relationships, opportunities and communities built along the way.

A shared mission

The Open Day concluded as a celebration of the people, partnerships and shared commitment that continue to shape JRS Uganda’s work.

Through Education, Livelihoods, Basic Needs, MHPSS, Pastoral Care and other areas of support, JRS Uganda remains committed to accompanying people affected by displacement with dignity, compassion and hope.

The Open Day offered a glimpse into that mission — and an invitation to continue walking together.